You say very true, Monsieur, it is easier to give up an amusement which pleases us, than to use it with moderation. I have sometimes permitted my grandson to play at games at chance, provided it was done with prudence. He assured me, as he was not fond of play, that he should always have a command over himself in this respect; notwithstanding which, he has in one single night lost two thousand guineas! – Last Tuesday we were engaged to sup at the Ambassador's de ***, where was to be a large company. I had a violent headach, which prevented me from going; but, finding Charles wished very much to be there, and, I must own, thinking he was much more prudent than I have found him, I permitted him to go alone. The next morning, before I was up, I received the following note from him: ‘I find myself obliged in honour to declare to you an inexcusable fault which I have been guilty of. I have concealed from you, that, for these eight days past, I have owed Monsieur de *** a hundred guineas, lost to him by thirty and forty at a time. The hopes of paying my debt to him made me play with him again last night. I did not win a single game. The excess of my bad luck put me quite out of patience; I should have gone on for ever. I will even confess to you, if Monsieur de *** had not left off playing, my extravagance would have had no bounds. In short, I lost two thousand guineas. – I throw myself at your feet, to intreat you will pay my debt! As to every thing else, I will receive, with equal respect and submission, any punishment you think proper to impose on me. But, if I dared to ask still one more favour, it would be, that you send me for five or six years to my regiment. – I should leave Paris and its pleasures with joy, if I thought my father would still condescend to follow me, to advise me, and to forgive me.’